5 Reasons to Practice Telemedicine

Just a few years ago, the idea of diagnosing a patient via video seemed like a ridiculous idea.

Today for many doctors, working in telehealth is anything but a laughing matter. In fact, more and more doctors are choosing to pursue a telemedicine career over traditional clinic and hospital positions.

According a report produced by IHS, the telehealth industry will expand so much in the next year that over 7 million patients will use telehealth services by the end of 2018. Additionally, in 2015 64% of Americans reported that they would attend a doctor’s appointment via video.

While the telehealth industry has a number of obvious benefits for patients, it also has major benefits for physicians. Read the top 5 benefits of telemedicine below:

Flexible schedule

In one of our previous posts, we wrote about how physicians prioritize a work/life balance in their lives. Telemedicine allows for a greater work/life balance, as well as the ability to work whenever, wherever.

While some physicians pursue telemedicine full-time, others use it as a way to earn extra income on the side. Regardless of how they add telemedicine to their careers, doctors like you are able to spend more time doing what you love while still using your skills to care for your patients.

Ability to grow your practice

You’ll also be able to grow your practice by adding virtual patients. If you’re looking to expand your practice, seeing patients on a virtual basis is a great way to have access to a wider geographical area.

For example, if you are a telemedicine physician with a Texas license, you aren’t limited to patients in Texas. You could develop thriving, positive relationships with patients across the U.S. If you decide to relocate, you won’t be losing patients or starting from scratch building a new practice.

Less exposure to potentially harmful viruses

One of the first issues many doctors raise about telemedicine is the difficulty diagnosing patients when they aren’t seeing them face to face.

With the flu epidemic in full swing, telemedicine becomes an even more attractive for physicians. You’ll be able to diagnose patients over phone or video, without being exposed to dangerous germs, and you’ll be able to help more patients without having to slow down for the flu.

Better patient outcomes

The ability to remotely check in with your patients isn’t only convenient, it may support better overall health. For example, if your patient has questions about a medication, or if they need an immediate change to their treatment plan, they’ll be able to get the help they need quickly and easily, which will likely reduce unnecessary hospital visits and will help patients to take a more active role in their health.

Help those in need

Beyond the personal benefits, telemedicine allows you to make a difference in the lives of those who might otherwise not have access to healthcare. For example, a recent study determined that in rural areas, there are less than 40 doctors per 100,000 patients. With telemedicine, these patients will have easy access to the potentially life-saving diagnoses they need, and you’ll have the ability to be part of providing care to those who desperately require it.

These five benefits are just the start of the many reasons doctors are choosing to pursue telemedicine positions. If you’re interested in learning more about telemedicine, we’d love to talk with you! Reach out to us at hello@relode.com with any questions.

Does telehealth sound like it could be a good option for you? Browse our telemedicine positions and learn more about this career move.